News Splash Mountain retheme to Princess and the Frog - Tiana's Bayou Adventure

[Homemade Imagineering]

Honestly, what I need right now is reassurance that most, if not all of the America Sings AAs will be saved. They’ve always been the most important thing to me out of anything in the attraction, and they’re such historical figures. If any insider sees this post, feel free to comment on whether they’ll be kept, or removed. Although I’d assume information about the attraction is extremely scarce as of right now, so if you can’t answer whether they’ll be saved or not, I understand.

 

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

Honestly, what I need right now is reassurance that most, if not all of the America Sings AAs will be saved. They’ve always been the most important thing to me out of anything in the attraction, and they’re such historical figures. If any insider sees this post, feel free to comment on whether they’ll be kept, or removed. Although I’d assume information about the attraction is extremely scarce as of right now, so if you can’t answer whether they’ll be saved or not, I understand.

I'm with you. But I just don't see that happening. The visual styles, proportions, all of the AAs are different to what the PatF characters look like. And re-skins and new AA rigs would be costly. Most of us are assuming it'll be a budget-conscious reimagining. (well the pitchfork naysayers anyway) To that specifically though, we should expect less AAs. But seeing as how we really don't know anything at this point, Who knows? Maybe they can find a way to make it all work. I'd like some reassurance too!

 

[Fox&Hound]

For everyone concerned with the notice that the new Splash will take place after the PatF movie, consider Frozen Ever After which is supposed to take place after the movie too. Olaf sings an equivalent to “Do you want to build a Snowman” and Elsa sings “Let it Go” for no logical reason other than it would be expected on a Frozen ride. I call shenanigans on Disney Imagineering omitting arguably two of the best characters in the ride, Ray and Dr Facilier, simply because they are choosing to place the ride after the movie. Maybe it will be a flashback or some other creative method but I have no doubt they will make an appearance.

1. They will sell merchandise
2. They were integral to the movie
3. The movie is light on characters as it is (as opposed to Toy Story, for example, which has more recognizable parts). Who are they going to use, the Fenner Brothers? I hope John Goodman’s Big Daddy LeBouf and Charlotte are in here but due to how this ride is getting added into MK in the first place, probably not.
4. The drop screams “Friends on the Other Side” and if Disney does not capitalize on that they are idiots.
5. Splash is a looooooong ride. They will need all the help they will get filling the ride.

My heart is still broken they are replacing Splash. This one really, really hurt.

 

[Homemade Imagineering]

I'm with you. But I just don't see that happening. The visual styles, proportions, all of the AAs are different to what the PatF characters look like. And re-skins, and new AA rigs would be costly. Most of us are assuming it'll be a budget-conscious reimagining. (well the pitchfork naysayers anyway) To that specifically though, we should expect less AAs. But seeing as how we really don't know anything at this point, Who knows? Maybe they can find a way to make it all work. I'd like some reassurance too!

I’d assume the geese would be the biggest victim to removal, while every gator will probably survive since they all mostly fit the theme of PatF. Heck, the gators could all become characters in the story of the attraction, where they’re all friends of Louis.

 

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

I’d assume the geese would be the biggest victim to removal, while every gator will probably survive since they all mostly fit the theme of PatF. Heck, the gators could all become characters in the story of the attraction, where they’re all friends of Louis.

That's a small sample and still "maybes" at that. I'm just none-too-optimistic about this one right now. sigh

 

[Stupido]

View attachment 480869A little concept I made on how the reimagine in WDW could happen with a Bayou surrounding land taking over.

Now this is a very touchy subject for me.

Back in 2010, I was a CP and worked at Pecos Bill's. Frontierland has always been my home away from home, and I never thought it would ever change this drastically. However, I really think this mock up is a really wonderful solution for the potential theming issues in Magic Kingdom. I don't know if Disney would be willing to go as far as retheming the whole area like that, but I think that would really sell the introduction of Princess and the Frog. If they're going to force inject an IP into a ride as iconic as Splash Mountain, they should be willing to go the distance and commit to representing the IP. It is CRAZY to me that Tiana doesn't have a restaurant in any park yet. It's literally the most logical decision when it comes to theIP, and retheming a restaurant really wouldn't cost all that much in the great scheme of things. Sure, losing Pecos would really be hard on my heart, but if it meant Tiana finally got her Place, it would be worth it. Granted, Princess and the Frog came out one month before my first shift at Disney World, so I'm heavily biased.

The only thing they'd have to really consider is the costuming. As it stands, Pecos Bill's costumes are very uniquely designed because they're one of the only costumes in all of Walt Disney World that are designed to fit into two lands. The Cast Members who work at Pecos are the same that work at Tortuga Tavern as well, so the costume is uniquely designed so it would blend into both Frontierland and Adventureland. We were some of the few Cast Members who were allowed to walk back and forth. An easy fix would be just re-costuming the Tiana side, and having a set cast for Tortuga.

All in all, I really hope this is on Disney's radar in some capacity. It doesn't all have to happen at once, but I think it would be really special if this came together one day.

 

[FigmentJedi]

View attachment 480869A little concept I made on how the reimagine in WDW could happen with a Bayou surrounding land taking over.

I prefer this armchair imagineer's idea.

 

[Kate F]

I prefer this armchair imagineer's idea.

I know my stance on this issue is clear as day already but...

 

[Tinkwings]

Now this is a very touchy subject for me.

Back in 2010, I was a CP and worked at Pecos Bill's. Frontierland has always been my home away from home, and I never thought it would ever change this drastically. However, I really think this mock up is a really wonderful solution for the potential theming issues in Magic Kingdom. I don't know if Disney would be willing to go as far as retheming the whole area like that, but I think that would really sell the introduction of Princess and the Frog. If they're going to force inject an IP into a ride as iconic as Splash Mountain, they should be willing to go the distance and commit to representing the IP. It is CRAZY to me that Tiana doesn't have a restaurant in any park yet. It's literally the most logical decision when it comes to theIP, and retheming a restaurant really wouldn't cost all that much in the great scheme of things. Sure, losing Pecos would really be hard on my heart, but if it meant Tiana finally got her Place, it would be worth it. Granted, Princess and the Frog came out one month before my first shift at Disney World, so I'm heavily biased.

The only thing they'd have to really consider is the costuming. As it stands, Pecos Bill's costumes are very uniquely designed because they're one of the only costumes in all of Walt Disney World that are designed to fit into two lands. The Cast Members who work at Pecos are the same that work at Tortuga Tavern as well, so the costume is uniquely designed so it would blend into both Frontierland and Adventureland. We were some of the few Cast Members who were allowed to walk back and forth. An easy fix would be just re-costuming the Tiana side, and having a set cast for Tortuga.

All in all, I really hope this is on Disney's radar in some capacity. It doesn't all have to happen at once, but I think it would be really special if this came together one day.

Pecos hasn't been the same since they removed the awesome burger toppings bar with sautéed mushrooms.....

 

[MisterPenguin]

I know my stance on this issue is clear as day already but...
View attachment 480939

Is that a 'no' to any change, or a 'no' to the miniland?

 

[Kate F]

Is that a 'no' to any change, or a 'no' to the miniland?

Both

 

[MisterPenguin]

Both

The change to the ride is coming.

The concern now is to make it as palatable as possible to a problematic 'land.'

 

[jt04]

I prefer this armchair imagineer's idea.

Perfect nook for Critter Country. But PatF should be prominent and more onstage. IMO.

 

[No Name]

Where are people’s priorities? I’d rather them spend the money on the attraction than on any sort of mini land, and so wound they. It’ll fit fine enough.

 

[jt04]

Where are people’s priorities? I’d rather them spend the money on the attraction than on any sort of mini land, and so wound they. It’ll fit fine enough.

They need to go back to investing boldly like Walt did. I know they did with Galaxy's Edge but they need that attitude at every park. Although I recognize the need to regroup at the moment. But they can let Imagineering 'blue sky' away in the meantime.

 

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

Perfect nook for Critter Country. But PatF should be prominent and more onstage. IMO.

Agreed. It should be a linear progression culminating into a grand reveal of the land's anchor attraction, theoretically. Start with lower tier attractions, facades and shops to establish placemaking and end on the anchor attraction; using the surroundings of a mini-land like a hype man to the main act.

 

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

Where are people’s priorities? I’d rather them spend the money on the attraction than on any sort of mini land, and so wound they. It’ll fit fine enough.

We don't know the budget. So why not both? DL's Splash will be nearly plug-n-play, fitting perfectly within it's surroundings but WDW's Splash Mountain is going to need some finessing.

Wanting more from Disney on this re-imagining shouldn't be met with condemnation. And "Fine Enough" should never be an acceptable standard. We're not sure of the efforts Disney will go to integrating the PatF IP in MK. But, why not desire more or demand WDI does better than just a one-off, one and done overlay? Or at least give TDO pause to question how it will be integrated.

TDO just needs to see the potential and fund the re-imagining properly. Spend the money on the Splash overlay as is expected but consider a possible mini-land to support that attraction. Add real net gains to the park with new attractions, sell a ton of PatF merch and fresh beignets out of a new shop or two. It's justified.

The priority should be expansion or improving on what's there - not cost-saving measures. With overlays, integration and thematic integrity are still important. The only logical way I can see that happening is to build around Splash giving it some added immersion, boost the parks offerings and properly anchor it into a themed land instead of trying to make it fit (as we so often say with overlays)

 

[No Name]

We don't know the budget. So why not both? DL's Splash will be nearly plug-n-play and fit perfectly within it's surroundings but WDW's Splash Mountain is going to need some finessing.

Wanting more from Disney on this re-imagining shouldn't be met with condemnation. And "Fine Enough" should never be an acceptable standard. We're not sure of the efforts Disney will go to integrating the PatF IP in MK. But, why not desire more or demand WDI does better than just a one-off, one and done overlay? Or at least give TDO pause to question how it will be integrated.

TDO just needs to see the potential and fund the re-imagining properly. (spend the money on the Splash overlay as is expected but consider a possible mini-land to support that attraction. Add real net gains to the park with new attractions, sell a ton of PatF merch and fresh beignets at a shop or two. It's justified. The priority should be expansion not cost saving measures. Now, I'm not saying it's a great idea. Frankly I don't think PatF needs a mini-land. A lone single attraction would be just fine if it were up to snuff. But integration and themetic integrity (not a word but I think you get my meaning) is still important.

The only logical way I can see that happening in Magic Kingdom is to build around Splash, boost the parks offering and and properly anchor it into it's own land instead of trying to make it fit (as we so often say when it comes to overlays)

I'd rather they do it right or not at all.

I get it but I’m just being realistic. They’ve cancelled or delayed $900 million in capex and Splash is a long ride so I can’t imagine the budget is what it should be. Second, if Beast’s castle next to Prince Eric’s castle next to mine cars is a thing, I don’t think most people will care or think twice about it.

 

[𝐌𝖆𝖓 𝖎𝖓 𝐖𝖊𝖇]

I get it but I’m just being realistic. They’ve cancelled or delayed $900 million in capex and Splash is a long ride so I can’t imagine the budget is what it should be. Second, if Beast’s castle next to Prince Eric’s castle next to mine cars is a thing, I don’t think most people will care or think twice about it.

Oh for sure. But that doesn't make it right. I swear Disney use to care about these things. I just want the best overlay it can be. I'm expecting a turd. Hopeful they can at least polish it up a bit. lol

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Oh for sure. But that doesn't make it right. I swear Disney use to care about these things. I just want the best overlay it can be. I'm expecting a turd. Hopeful they can at least polish it up a bit. lol

I think the recent emphasis on immersion, mostly in lands dedicated to specific films or franchises, has warped how people see what theming meant beginning at Disneyland. For the most part, the themes at the Magic Kingdom parks have always been big and conceptual rather than a literal time and place. In that respect, a little piece of Louisiana in Frontierland is not going to jar anymore than the desert-themed Big Thunder Mountain sitting on a wooded river with a riverboat regularly passing by. Splash Mountain is already set in the South, anyway.

I'm with @egg, the priority should be on the attraction which will almost certainly take a lot of money to do well considering current WDI budgets.